Newcastle training ride

pdstsp

I have the pleasure of taking my eldest daughter and her friend to Newcastle upon Tyne on Saturday for a university open day. As my presence as hand holder is not required I am taking the bike and hope to go for a ride in the area while she does the tour, talks and has a look round the city.

I am looking for a decent route of around 60 miles. Can anyone out there point me in the right direction? It would be great if it could start at/near a sports centre where I could get a shower as they have already complained that I'll stink all the way home, though this is not a requirement as they stank all the way home from the Leeds festival, so what goes around etc etc...

Ta in advance

dmch2

I live in Durham and like the area to the West of me. If you look on http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=16449065 d70ar9 recommended a 40 mile route
http://www.bikemap.net/route/648302#lat=54.88925&lng=-1.64726&zoom=11&type=2 that took in some of my favourites and went a bit further North. Newcastle to the top end of it should make it about 60 miles.

You could always used the swimming and their showers: http://www.newcastleleisure.co.uk/citypool

hugo15

Have a look at the route Northern Rock Cyclone Route. It's 66 miles and starts from the North of the city at Kingston Park, taking you up into Northumberland. The actual ride starts from the Falcons rugby ground but there is a big retail park near by where you could park.

http://www.northernrockcyclone.co.uk/Cy ... geMaps.asp

pdstsp

Thanks a lot guys - I'll have a look at your routes tonight in detail and look forward to riding a new area. Really grateful for the help.

Paul

wiffachip

This sports centre is virtually at the start of the Cyclone route, I'm sure you could use their facilities, though you might have to pay for a swim. And it's straight onto quiet roads, so you're making the best use of your time. Follow signs for the airport and just keep going for another two miles. Its worth extending the route a few miles and calling in at Rothbury, lovely village, nice pie shops

Ponteland Leisure Centre

Callerton Lane

Ponteland

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

NE20 9EG

Telephone: 01661 825441

pdstsp

Wiffachip - thanks thats ideal

Buckled_Rims

I really enjoyed the 60 mile NorthernCyclone route. The Ryals are bit steep but fairly short. As Wiffachip said, Rothbury is nice.

pdstsp

All done and downloaded to the garmin and setting off to Newcastle at 6 a.m to drop the girlies off. Looking forward to it so thanks for the advice.

Paul

pdstsp

Just back - really nice ride - see what you mean about the Ryals - caught me out a bit and had me gasping. Thanks for all the help and advice - some superb scenery and an excellent day for a ride.

Only fly in the ointment was being refused a shower at the Ponteland sports centre even if I paid for a swim!!

Paul